Ministry clarifies floodwater discharge from China's Malutang hydropower dam

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it and diplomatic agencies of Vietnam in China have urgently worked with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Yunnan province's authorities on the information that China is preparing to release floodwater from its Malutang hydropower dam, which is located in Yunnan province's Wenshan district, and the upstream of the Lo River in Vietnam.

The water level of Lo River in Ha Giang city rises, causing flooding in many low-lying areas. (Photo: VNA)
The water level of Lo River in Ha Giang city rises, causing flooding in many low-lying areas. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it and diplomatic agencies of Vietnam in China have urgently worked with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Yunnan province's authorities on the information that China is preparing to release floodwater from its Malutang hydropower dam, which is located in Yunnan province's Wenshan district, and the upstream of the Lo River in Vietnam.

According to Chinese authorities, to support flood prevention and rescue operations in downstream areas of China and Vietnam, the Malutang hydropower dam did not discharge floodwater.

However, due to prolonged heavy rains over several days, the water level at the dam has risen significantly, posing a risk of dam breach, which can cause severe damage to localities in both countries.

After careful consideration, the Chinese side notified the authorities of Vietnam's Ha Giang province of a plan to release floodwater from the Malutang dam from 3:00 pm on September 11 to 2:00 pm on September 12, with a maximum discharge rate of 250cu.m per second.

Following discussions with the Vietnamese side, Chinese authorities announced to reduce the maximum discharge rate from 250cu.m per second to 200cu.m per second, and delay the release time to 4:30 pm on September 11.

China also stated that it has instructed its relevant local authorities to ensure that the flood release is kept to the minimum to maintain the safety of the dam.

Regarding the upstream of the Yuan River of China/Red River of Vietnam, the Chinese side affirmed that all hydropower plants and dams in China are not releasing any floodwater.

Following the directions from the Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnamese diplomatic agencies in China will continue to work closely with China's local authorities to provide timely and regular updates on flood conditions in Chinese regions that impact Vietnamese localities. They will also coordinate and share information frequently with the Chinese side to promote measures to minimise the amount of upstream water from China flowing to downstream localities of Vietnam, thus minimising damage caused by floods in river basins in the northern region./.

VNA

See more

General Secretary of the 14th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam (Photo: VNA)

Foreign leaders extend congratulations to Party General Secretary To Lam

First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez expressed his belief that under the General Secretary’s clear-sighted leadership, the Party and people of Vietnam will continue advancing firmly on the path towards socialism and usher in a new phase of more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable development.

Prof. George Toloraya, Director of the Centre for Russian Strategy in Asia at the Institute of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. (Photo published by VNA)

Vietnam enters new development era: Russian scholar

Prof. George Toloraya noted that the 14th Party Congress represents a pivotal shift from Vietnam’s role as a “factory of the world” toward its ambition to become a high-tech powerhouse, with development quality reaching a higher level.

Participants pose for a group photo at the ceremony to mark the 76th founding anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and China in Chongqing. (Photo: VNA)

Chongqing ceremony marks 76th anniversary of Vietnam – China ties

Consul General Bui Nguyen Long noted that the fruitful bilateral ties over the past 76 years have clearly demonstrated that the unceasing enhancement and development of Vietnam – China relations is fully consistent with the shared aspirations and long-term fundamental interests of the two peoples.

Delegates at the 14th National Party Congress vote on the list of candidates to the 14th Party Central Committee. (Photo: VNA)

14th National Party Congress: Enduring strength of people-centred path

Kyril Whittaker, a UK-based Vietnam specialist, that Vietnam’s 40-year Renewal (Doi Moi) process has succeeded thanks to three closely intertwined factors - a scientific and practical approach to reform, the Communist Party of Vietnam’s leadership role, and the principle of placing the people at the heart of all policies.

Party General Secretary To Lam speaks at an international press conference announcing the results of the 14th National Party Congress on the afternoon of January 23. (Photo: VNA)

Renewing mindset, setting development vision through 2045: Party General Secretary To Lam

The political report integrates three previously separate documents - the political report, the socio-economic report and the review of Party building - into a single, unified and comprehensive one, with clearer priorities. Designed to be concise, easy to understand, remember and implement, this integration stands out as a key hallmark of the Congress.

Communist Party of Vietnam General Secretary To Lam (right) and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith during his visit to Vietnam on September 10, 2024 (Photo: VNA)

Top Lao leader to pay state visit to Vietnam

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse will pay a state visit to Vietnam from January 26 to 27.

The article titled “The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Advance toward a New Era,” published on aladaainternacional.com, the website of the Latin American Center for Studies on Asia and Africa. (Photo: VNA)

14th National Party Congress: Vietnam’s strategic shift in new era

Vietnam now stands at the threshold of a new development era, driven by strong aspirations and substantial potential. The 14th Party Congress is, therefore, of decisive importance for the country’s future transformations, particularly amid an international environment marked by uncertainty and volatility. While this phase may be among the most complex of the renewal process, it also presents a critical opportunity for Vietnam to break through and evolve from an “Asian tiger” into a regional “dragon.”